OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of BACs-on-Beads (BoBs) technique for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities in abortus tissues from recurrent pregnancy loss. METHODS: A total of 109 abortus samples were collected and analyzed with the BoBs technique. The incidence and types of chromosomal abnormalities for different age groups and gestational weeks were compared. RESULTS: The BoBs assay has succeeded in all cases, with an incidence for chromosomal abnormalities reaching 62.39% (68/109). The major findings included trisomy 16 (12/68), trisomy 22 (9/68), trisomy 13 (9/68) and trisomy 21 (8/68). The abnormal rate was significantly higher in those above 35-year-old compared with that of the <35-year-old group (P<0.05). More aberrations were found among abortus tissues derived from 42-70 days of pregnancy albeit with no statistical significance (P>0.05). The aberration rates were similar for samples derived from second, third and fourth time abortions (P>0.05). CONCLUSION BoBs technique can detect chromosomal aberrations in miscarriages and may be routinely used for the analysis of early spontaneous abortions.
Abortion, Habitual ; Abortion, Spontaneous ; Adult ; Chromosome Disorders ; Down Syndrome ; Female ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic and molecular features of the rare cribriform morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (CMV-PTC). Methods: The clinicopathologic data of 10 patients with CMV-PTC were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was done using LSAB method. DNA sequencing for APC were applied using Sanger method. BRAF V600E mutation was examined using ARMS method. The cytological, morphological, IHC and molecular features were analyzed. Results: All patients were female at an average age of 27 years old. The tumors were mostly located in the right lobe of thyroid. Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed in three patients; two were diagnosed as suspicious for PTC and one as PTC. Nine tumors presented as solitary nodule and two as multiple nodules in both lobes. Infiltration was demonstrated in three cases. The average size was 2.6 cm. The neoplastic cells were arranged in papillary, cribriform, solid and glandular patterns, with rare or without colloid inside the lumen. The number of morula varied, ranging from zero to many. The neoplastic cells were variably enlarged, showing round, oval or spindle shape. Nuclear irregularity was identified as irregular membrane, nuclear grooves or pseudoinclusion, but no typical ground glass feature. Peculiar nuclear clearing could be observed in the morular cells. IHC staining showed the neoplastic cells were negative for thyroglobulin and p63, but positive for TTF1, cytokeratin 19 and estrogen receptor. Diffuse staining with cytokeratin was seen in the neoplastic cells and the morula. Specific cytoplasmic and nuclear staining of β-catenin was seen in the neoplastic cells but not the morula. Ki-67 proliferation index was 1%-30%. No recurrence or metastasis was observed. One patient was demonstrated to harbor both somatic and germline mutations of the APC gene, who was found to have adenomatous polyposis and her mother died of colonic carcinoma. No BRAF V600E mutation was detected. Conclusions CMV-PTC is rare and shows atypical cytological and clinicopathological features, and it is easily misdiagnosed.TG, TTF1, ER and β-catenin are specific IHC markers for CMV-PTC. The morula is negative for cytokeratin 19, in contrast to squamous metaplasia. Although CMV-PTC has indolent clinical behavior, a definite diagnosis is necessary to rule out the possibility of APC gene mutation and related extra-thyroidal neoplasm, such as FAP and Gardner syndrome.

Objective To observe the effect of PIF1 knockdown on cell growth and cell cycle arrest induced by ionizing radiation.Methods HeLa cell lines that consistently down-regulated PIF1 were prepared by the lentivirus granules interfering technology and confirmed by real-time PCR and Western blotting.The effect of down-regulation of PIF1 on cell growth and cell cycle arrest induced by ionizing radiation was evaluated by cell counting and flow cytometry.Results HeLa cell lines consistently down-regulating PIF1 were established.The growth of HeLa that down-regulated PIF1 was inhibited greatly after 4 Gy of γ-ray irradiation.There was little cell proliferation until the 5th day post 4 Gy γ-ray.Moreover, the S phase block and G2/M phase block of PIF1 knock-downed cell lines were significantly delayed after 8 Gy γ-ray irradiation.Conclusion Knockdown of PIF1 can significantly enhance the radiation sensitivity and delayes the S phase block and G 2 /M phase block induced by ionizing radiation.

Objective To construct the recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmids of human adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1)and to explore its intracellular location and functions.Methods By using Hela cDNA as the template,the cDNAs encoding CAP1 was amplified by PCR and inserted into pCMV-Myc vector to construct the recombinant plasmid.The recombinant plasmid was transfected into 293 cells using lipofectamine 2000.The protein expression and the intracellular location of the inserted gene were confirmed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence,respectively.Scratch-repair experiment was used to detect the cancer cells’ migration ability.Results The recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid of human CAP1 was successfully constructed and transfected into eukaryote cells.The recombinant plasmid was successfully expressed in eukaryote cells.CAP1 was located in the cytoplasm.The results of scratch-repair experiment showed that the overexpression of CAP1 could significantly inhibit the cells’ migration.Conclusion CAP1 recombinant plasmid was successfully expressed in eukaryotic cells.CAP1 protein was located in the cytoplasm.The overexpression of CAP1 inhibited cell migration. The present study provides important experimental evidence for further study on CAP1.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of intervention of moxa smoke with different concentrations on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and lung of male rats, so as to explore the safety concentration of moxa smoke.

METHODSA total of 32 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into a control group, a low-concentration group, a moderate-concentration group and a high-concentration group, 8 rats in each one. All the rats were exposed in the full-automatic toxicant exposure cabinet, and the overshadow of moxa smoke was set at 0%, 10%, 40% and 70%, respectively. Each rat was exposed for 20 min per day. After 26 weeks, the activities of SOD and content of MDA in serum, lung organ and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were tested.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the activities of serum SOD in the high-concentration group were reduced (P< 0. 05), but those in the low-concentration group and moderate-concentration group were not significantly different (both P>0. 05). Compared with the control group, the content of serum MDA in the low-concentration group, moderate-concentration group and high-concentration group was increased insignificantly (all P>0. 05). There were no significant differences regarding activities of SOD and content of MDA in lung organ and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid among each moxa smoke group (all P>0. 05).

CONCLUSIONThere is no obvious toxic reaction in the low-concentration group and moderate-concentration group; in the high-concentration group the antioxidant ability is damaged due to long-term exposure.

Animals ; Artemisia ; chemistry ; Lung ; enzymology ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; metabolism ; Moxibustion ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Smoke ; analysis ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the effect of citric acid and ambroxol on clearing insoluble particles of depleted uranium in rat lungs by establishing a tracheal perfusion model.Methods One hundred and fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into model exposure group, normal control group(NC group), depleted uranium exposure group(DU), citric acid treatment group( CA) , ambroxol treatment group( AM) and citric acid+ambroxol treatment group( CA+AM) . The rats were sacrificed on 7, 15 and 30 days.Uranium content in the lungs was detected by microwave digestion method, pathological changes in the lungs were observed, and inflammatory factors of lung homogenates were detected.Results Compared to DU control group, the intrapulmonary uranium deposit amount in experimental groups was significantly reduced on 7 and 15 days (P<0.05).HE stained lung tissue showed that the pathological changes in treatment groups were less significant than in DU control group.The level of IL-1α,IL-1β,and IL-2 was significantly lower than in DU control, but the level of MCP-1 and MIP-1 was observably higher.Conclusion Citric acid and ambroxol can evidently improve the clear-ance of lung uranium and reduce damnification of lung tissues.Drug treatment can reduce the level of pulmonary inflamma-tory cytokines alleviate the chronic inflammation in the lungs, and enhance the capacity of macrophage to recruitment.

Objective To observe the effects of 2 Gy γ-ray irradiation on regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Th17 cells and immune balance of mice.Methods A total of fifty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into two groups,the irradiated group exposed to 2 Gy of whole body γ-ray irradiation,and the control group sham-irradiated.At 1,3,7,14 and 28 d after radiation,changes of peripheral haemogram were detected respectively and Tregs in peripheral blood,thymus and spleen and Th17 cells in spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry.Results Compared with control group,the number of peripheral blood white cells (WBC) and lymphocyte in irradiated group reduced significantly post-irradiation (t =8.89-33.54,P ＜ 0.05),while the cell number of peripheral CD4 + CD25 + Tregs post-irradiation rose but not significantly.Thymic Treg cells increased 1 and 3 d post-irradiation(t =-6.45,-10.59,P ＜0.05),but reduced 28 d post-irradiation (t =5.34,P ＜ 0.05).Splenic Treg cells ascended obviously from 1 to 14 d post-irradiation (t =-6.82-3.89,P ＜ 0.05).After irradiation splenic Th17 cells increased at 1 d,and reached the maximal level at 3 d (t =-2.42,P ＜ 0.05),more obviously than splenic Treg cells.The reduction of Treg/Th17 ratio from 1 to 14 d post-irradiation disturbed Treg/Th17 balance and made it drift to the direction of Th17 (t =4.02-8.04,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Treg/Th17 imbalance plays an important role in immune injury induced by irradiation.

Objective To prospectively evaluate the mid-term results of mitral annuloplasty using autologous pericardium for mitral valve insufficiency.Methods From April 2004 to December 2011,48 patients underwent mitral annuloplasty using autologous pericardium,the average length of pericardial strips was (51.9 ±2.8)cm.Carpentier classification was class Ⅰ in 5 cases,class Ⅱ in 41 cases,and class Ⅲ in 2 cases.The mitral valve repair techniques included quadrangular resection in 30 cases,valve repair in 7 cases,chordae transposition in 4 cases,edge to edge technique in 2cases,and artificial chordae tendineae in 3 cases.Concomitant procedures included one case arotic valve replacement,11 cases tricuspid valve repair,9 cases coronary artery bypass grafting,1 case coronary artery muscle bridge resection,and 1 case permanent pacemaker implant.Datum on long-term outcomes were obtained by questionnaires and by phone interview [average follow-up time (62.2 ± 21.3) months].Results Compared with preoperative datum,the diameters of left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVDD) and left atrial diameter (LAD) examined by echocardiography show significant reduction in postoperative [(58.6 ± 1.7) mm vs (45.1 ± 1.3) ram,t =12.85,P ＜0.01 ; (50.6 ± 1.6)mm vs (38.0 ± 1.4)ram,t =9.58,P ＜0.01].There was early postoperative death in one case,cerebral infarction in one case,but none of patients died in late postoperative period.One patient had moderate mitral valve regurgitation in long-term follow-up.None of patients had redo operation and hemolytic complications.Conclusions Mitral annuloplasty using an autologous pericardium was an acceptable technique with low anticoagulation complications,permanent,well left ventricular function maintenance,and an economic method.

OBJECTIVETo study the in vitro effect of herb components on scavenging harmful components of cigarette smoke such as radicals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosamines in vitro, and its reducing effect on cytotoxicity of cigarette smoke.

METHODspectrophotometry was used to examine the scavenging effect of herb components on DPPH free radicals, superoxide anion radical, and hydroxyl radical, and the results were compared with the anti-oxidation of ascorbic acid. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to examine the scavenging effect of herb components on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. UV spectrophotometry was used to examine the scavenging effect of herb components on volatile nitrosamines. MTT assay was used to examine cytotoxicity of cigarette smoke.

RESULTAll the herb components showed a certain scavenging effect on DPPH free radicals, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile nitrosamines, espacially the ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), flavonoids of glycyrrhiza, procyanidine, total saponins in ophiopogonin, total saponins of astragalus and epimediun flavonoids. After these six herb components were added to cigarette, the cytotoxicity of cigarette smoke on BEP2D cells was remarkably reduced, by increasing cell survival fraction (SF, %) and mean lethal dose (DML).

CONCLUSIONThe herb components can scavenge harmful components of cigarette smoke such as radicals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines, which reduce the damage of cigarette smoke on human being.

Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Free Radical Scavengers ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Smoke ; adverse effects ; Tobacco ; adverse effects

Objective To investigate the phagocytosis function of cigarette smoke extracts (CSE)on the NR8383 cells. Methods The concentration of CSE and the optimal time was defined by cell counting kit-8 assay, Annexin V/PI cell apoptosis assay and CFSE cell proliferation assay. The cell was gained after exposed to the different concentration of CSE for 24 h and mixed with fluorescein-labeled Escherichia coli in 37℃ for 2 h. The fluorescence intensity was used to assay the phagocytosis function of NR8383 cells.Results The phagocytosis function of NR8383 cells may be changed by the concentration of CSE. In the concentration of 100 μg/ml, the phagocytosis function of NR8383 was enhanced 0.5 times than the normal cell when NR8383 cell was exposed to CSE, and the specific activity is the highest. When NR8383 cells were exposed to CSE and LPS, the phagocytosis function of NR8383 cells was enhanced 2 times than the normal cell. In the concentration of 200 μg/ml, the phagocytosis function of NR8383 cells was damaged, the rate of apoptosis is the 54. 1%. Conclusion Low concentration of CSE enhanced the phagocytosis function of NR8383 cells, but high concentration of CSE damaged the phagocytosis function of NR8383 cells. This study reveals a new role of CSE as an activator of macrophage function.